Planning your communications strategically is important because it saves time, money, and stress. If you have a strategic communication plan, you know what it is you need to do and why. Here’s a guide to planning your communications in three sections.

Telling stories is the fastest way to take your mission from abstract idea to concrete action in the minds of your supporters. For a year-end fundraising appeal letter or email, your stories will need to be brief. There’s a simple formula you can use to create your story for your year-end appeal letter (or email).

I know a thing or two about virtual work and collaboration. I’ve had a decade of experience figuring out how to create connections when I couldn’t be in the same room with my colleagues and my team. Throughout that time I’ve tested many virtual work tools and team-building techniques and identified and implemented ideas that helped bridge the virtual gap.

My milkman can teach us some lessons on welcoming a new customer (or donor). The thank you letters that arrived with my first delivery were so simple, but they made a big impression. It was clear that this company wanted me to feel like I was a part of their community, and they succeeded. I got the feeling that I mattered.

There’s a lot to love about podcasts right now. One of the things I’m most excited about when it comes to podcasts: It’s a great way to engage and connect with your donors on a whole new level. Read the 10 reasons why nonprofits need to consider creating a podcast as an engagement tool.

One of the most dramatic ways to help potential and existing donors understand the importance of a nonprofit’s mission is to let them to experience the work in action. Podcasts are an excellent way to do this.